Neurodivergence

What does it mean to take a truly neurodiversity-affirming view of autistic play? We have a number outputs linked to this question, including a review paper setting out considerations for play-based interventions for young children and an interactive evidence map to enable more detailed exploration of the evidence base.

Doctoral research from Emma Pritchard-Rowe has also explored the perspectives of autistic adults on autistic play, highlighting solitary play as having an important recuperative function and how flow states can have a dual nature.

Project leads: Dr Emma Pritchard-Rowe and Prof Jenny Gibson

Neurodiversity has been discussed a lot in relation to autism and ADHD, but what about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? DLD is diagnosed when children have specific difficulties with language development that affect their everyday lives. It is associated with a higher risk of mental health difficulties and educational challenges and also with resilience factors such as positive relationship experiences, hopefulness and experience of overcoming adversities.

Together with Dr Umar Toseeb and Dr Hannah Hobson, Jenny has written an article reflecting on what neurodiversity affirming research practice for those with DLD what mean.